LaMelo Ball and the Charlotte Hornets (33-35) took on Jonas Valanciunas and the New Orleans Pelicans (27-40) in part of the Friday NBA slate. It was the Hornets who coasted to the 142-120 victory.
After experiencing some success with Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum leading the show after the NBA trade deadline as Zion Williamson remains sidelined, they are now all three sidelined.
Trey Murphy III had a huge night for the Pelicans off the bench with 32 points and nine rebounds with all of the starters reached double-figure scoring, too. The defense was the issue as they allowed a staggering volume of points on near 60 percent shooting from the floor and 41 assists.
The Hornets’ offensive execution was firing on all cylinders in this one. Miles Bridges (26) and Terry Rozier (25) each reached the 25-point threshold. However, 59 points from the bench and a slid 17 points, six rebounds, and nine assists from LaMelo Ball was more than enough for the win.
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The Pelicans still are seeking to avoid falling out of favor with the final play-in spot in the Western Conference. The Portland Trail Blazers, despite all of their injury concerns and trade activity, have floated around remaining relatively in the mix.
The Hornets face the threat of being passed up by the Atlanta Hawks in the Eastern Conference standings if they were to lose. They were 3-7 in their last 10 games entering this one, which was tied for the worst record in the conference during that stretch of play.
Both the Charlotte Hornets and New Orleans Pelicans Pelicans could use a win to help solidify their current positioning. Both teams have struggled as of late, but only one team can come out on top.
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